Colombo, 21 March 2026 — Sri Lanka Customs has released the majority of printed books imported by Onereach Lanka (Pvt) Ltd under CusDec No. 47995 dated 18 March 2026, with two titles being withheld following expert review, according to an official notification issued by the Director General of Customs.
The consignment, declared under item 37 of the Customs Declaration, was reviewed based on recommendations made by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, the State Panel of Literature of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence.
Customs confirmed that the books titled “Bayangaravaathi” and “Cynide” have been cleared for release, along with all other publications included in the consignment, with the exception of two specified titles.
However, two books — “Elluttal nan Yuttam Ceykiren” and “Ippothum Inge Irandu Thesangalil” — have not been released. Authorities stated that these publications were found to contain material considered likely to lead to acts punishable under Section 120 of the Penal Code, read together with Schedule B of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235).
The decision was formally communicated to the importer by S. P. Arukgoda, Director General of Customs, with a copy issued to Mr Deepachelvan Pratheepan.
The letter:
The Proprietor,
Onereach Lanka (Pvt) Ltd,
820/9, Kanthi Mawatha,
Hunupitiya,
Wattala.
Dear Sir / Madam
Importation of Printed Books
Cusdec No. 47995 of 18.03.2026
This has reference to the consignment of books imported and declared to Customs by your company under item 37 of CusDec no. 47995 dated 18.03.2026.
02. I am pleased to inform you that, based on the recommendations of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, State Panel of Literature of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, the books titled “Bayangaravaathi” and “Cynide” are now released, along with other books found in the consignment except the two books referred to in the paragraph 03 below.
03. I regret to inform you that, based on the same recommendations referred to above, the two books titled “Elluttal nan Yuttam Ceykiren” and “Ippothum Inge Irandu Thesangalil” cannot be released as they have been found to contain matter calculated to lead to acts made punishable under section 120 of the Penal Code, read with schedule B to the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235).
Yours faithfully
S.P. Arukgoda
Director General of Customs.
Copy: Mr. Deepachelvan Pratheepan
